President William Ruto has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly, scheduled for February 14-15, 2026.

The president, who departed Nairobi on Friday afternoon, February 13, 2026, shared the update through his official X account, noting the summit’s focus on institutional reforms, climate action, and deeper continental integration.

“Arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly. At the Summit, we will deliberate on institutional reform of the AU to strengthen the Union’s effectiveness and financial sustainability.

Ruto said the summit would focus on advancing Africa’s common position on climate action, adaptation, resilience, and climate finance, while also accelerating deeper regional integration and expanding intra-African trade.

He added that through these engagements, Kenya would mobilise greater support for its national transformation agenda, particularly in infrastructure development, agro-industrial growth, expanded irrigation, and energy security.

AU institutional Reform and leadership roles

As AU Champion for Institutional Reform, President Ruto is expected to present a progress report on measures aimed at enhancing the Union’s effectiveness, credibility, and financial independence.

The reforms are designed to reduce reliance on external funding and strengthen the AU’s capacity to respond independently to continental challenges.

On climate matters, the President will chair the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and table its report.

The session will reinforce Africa’s unified stance on climate action, adaptation, resilience, and securing adequate climate finance, ahead of global climate negotiations.

Bilateral partnerships

In a key milestone for continental trade, President Ruto will chair the inaugural meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Committee.

Kenya has positioned itself as a strong advocate for AfCFTA, pushing for faster implementation to expand intra-African trade and regional economic integration.

The summit will also provide space for bilateral engagements with other African leaders, focusing on trade, investment, health, and security partnerships.

These discussions are expected to support Kenya’s development priorities, including major infrastructure projects, agro-industrial expansion through irrigation, and strengthened energy security.

The 39th AU Assembly comes as African nations seek to consolidate gains in regional integration while addressing pressing challenges such as climate vulnerability and sustainable financing for development.